Struggling with daily tasks due to mobility issues and numbness from osteoporosis and degenerative joint disease, Mary faced significant challenges living alone. Her physical limitations made it difficult for her to prepare meals, bathe, and maintain her apartment, leading to emotional distress and isolation. Adding to her difficulties was an old, unreliable electric wheelchair that restricted her ability to leave her home.
In an effort to regain some independence, Mary reached out to the SAIL (Senior and Adult Independent Living) program in 2000 and began receiving case management services. Initially skeptical, Mary was unsure of the assistance she might receive. However, through the Maricopa County Human Services’ Senior Services and Community Resilience Division (SSCRD), her case manager was able to arrange for home-delivered meals and attendant care services.
The assistance provided through SAIL enabled Mary to continue living in her own home, offering the crucial support she needed. Despite this, the reliability of her wheelchair remained a concern, posing a threat to her independent living. Through a collaboration with Maricopa County Public Health, her case manager successfully acquired a new scooter for her. Mary has since expressed increased happiness, enjoying her meals and feeling secure traveling to nearby locations with her new mobility aid.
The impact of these services on Mary’s life has been profound. She is no longer isolated, has cultivated a trusting relationship with her case manager, and feels empowered in her independence. Her journey is a testament to the positive influence of the SAIL team at the Maricopa County Department of Human Services in enhancing the lives of local residents.
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